7 Chinese String Bean Recipe

 Chinese cuisine offers a wide array of dishes that celebrate fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and aromatic spices. Among these, string beans, or green beans, are often featured in various recipes that highlight their versatility and unique texture. Chinese string bean dishes are beloved for their balance of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, combined with a delightful crunch. Whether stir-fried, braised, or sautéed, string beans can be the star of the show or serve as an ideal complement to other ingredients. In this article, we will explore seven mouthwatering Chinese string bean recipes that you can recreate in your own kitchen. These recipes are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for adding variety to your meal rotation.

1. Stir-Fried Chinese String Beans with Garlic and Pork

One of the most popular and traditional Chinese ways to prepare string beans is by stir-frying them with garlic and pork. This dish, known as "Gong Bao Si Ji Dou" in Chinese, combines the earthy crunch of string beans with the savory richness of ground pork. The key to achieving the perfect stir-fry lies in the balance of flavors and cooking techniques. First, the string beans are quickly blanched to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Then, they are stir-fried in a hot wok with minced garlic, ginger, and ground pork, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

To make this dish, you start by seasoning the pork with soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, and a pinch of sugar. This helps to tenderize the pork and infuse it with umami flavor. After stir-frying the pork until it is golden brown, you add the blanched string beans and continue cooking, allowing the beans to soak up the savory flavors of the pork and seasonings. The final step is to season the dish with soy sauce and a touch of oyster sauce for added richness. This stir-fried dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, and its combination of tender pork and crunchy beans makes it an irresistible treat.

The secret to making this stir-fry successful is high heat and quick cooking. Stir-frying the string beans over high heat ensures they retain their crisp texture, while the garlic and ginger infuse the dish with fragrant aromas. This simple yet flavorful dish showcases the versatility of string beans in Chinese cooking and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

2. Chinese Spicy String Beans with Sichuan Peppercorns

For those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors, Chinese spicy string beans with Sichuan peppercorns are an exciting option. This dish is a hallmark of Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold and numbing flavors created by Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. The unique combination of the mouth-numbing peppercorns and the fiery chili peppers creates a flavor profile that is both spicy and aromatic.

In this recipe, the string beans are first stir-fried until they are lightly charred, which enhances their flavor and texture. Then, a spicy sauce is made by combining chili paste, soy sauce, sugar, and a bit of vinegar. The Sichuan peppercorns are toasted briefly to release their fragrant oils before being added to the sauce, giving the dish its signature numbing spice. The stir-fried string beans are then tossed in this sauce, and the dish is finished with a handful of chili flakes for extra heat.

The key to mastering this dish is to strike the perfect balance between heat and numbing sensation. The heat from the chili peppers is offset by the numbing effect of the Sichuan peppercorns, creating a complex and flavorful experience. This dish is best served with steamed rice to balance the spiciness, and it can also be paired with other Chinese dishes like kung pao chicken or braised tofu for a complete meal.

3. Chinese String Beans with Black Bean Sauce

Black bean sauce is a savory, slightly salty sauce that is commonly used in Chinese cooking to elevate the flavor of vegetables and meats. When paired with string beans, black bean sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the beans while adding a deep umami richness to the dish. This recipe is particularly popular in Cantonese cuisine, where black bean sauce is a staple ingredient.

To prepare this dish, start by stir-frying the string beans in a hot wok until they are lightly charred and tender. In a separate pan, prepare the black bean sauce by combining fermented black beans, garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce. The fermented black beans give the sauce its distinct flavor, and when combined with garlic and ginger, they create a robust, aromatic base for the dish. Once the string beans are cooked, toss them in the black bean sauce and continue stir-frying to allow the beans to soak up the sauce’s savory flavors.

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main or a side dish. The saltiness of the black bean sauce complements the mild flavor of the string beans, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. It pairs wonderfully with other Cantonese dishes like dim sum, fried rice, or crispy pork.

4. Chinese String Beans with Tofu and Chili Paste

For a vegetarian option that still packs a punch of flavor, try Chinese string beans with tofu and chili paste. This dish is inspired by the popular Sichuan-style vegetarian dishes that feature the bold, spicy flavors of chili paste and fermented bean paste. The combination of string beans, tofu, and chili paste creates a satisfying and hearty dish that is perfect for those who love spicy food without meat.

In this recipe, the string beans are stir-fried until they are crisp-tender, and tofu is added for a dose of protein and texture. The tofu is typically pan-fried to achieve a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior. The chili paste, along with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, creates a savory and spicy sauce that coats the tofu and string beans. The final dish is garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

This dish is an excellent option for those who want a flavorful, meatless meal. The tofu absorbs the flavors of the chili paste, while the string beans provide a crunchy contrast. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, and it’s a perfect addition to a vegetarian or vegan menu.

5. Braised Chinese String Beans with Shiitake Mushrooms

Braised Chinese string beans with shiitake mushrooms is a comforting and savory dish that features tender string beans and earthy mushrooms in a flavorful braising liquid. The dish is slow-cooked, allowing the string beans to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce, making each bite tender and flavorful.

To prepare this dish, the string beans are first blanched and then combined with shiitake mushrooms in a wok or pot. A braising liquid made from soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, and a touch of sugar is poured over the beans and mushrooms, and the dish is simmered until the string beans are tender and the sauce has reduced to a thick, flavorful glaze. The umami-rich soy sauce, combined with the earthy shiitake mushrooms, creates a comforting and savory sauce that enhances the string beans.

Braised string beans with shiitake mushrooms make a wonderful side dish, especially when served with steamed rice or a protein like braised chicken or pork. The dish’s subtle flavors are perfect for balancing out spicier or more heavily seasoned Chinese dishes, and it offers a great way to enjoy string beans in a more relaxed, comforting form.

6. Chinese String Beans with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce is one of the most beloved flavors in Chinese cuisine, known for its perfect balance of tangy and sweet elements. When paired with string beans, it creates a refreshing and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main or side dish. The bright, vibrant flavor of the sweet and sour sauce pairs perfectly with the mild, crunchy texture of the string beans.

To make this dish, the string beans are stir-fried until tender but still crisp. A sweet and sour sauce is made by combining rice vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and a bit of soy sauce. The sauce is simmered until it thickens slightly, and then it is poured over the string beans, coating them in a glossy, flavorful glaze. The sweetness of the sauce is balanced by the tanginess of the vinegar, while the soy sauce adds a savory depth.

This sweet and sour string bean dish is perfect for serving alongside other Chinese classics like sweet and sour chicken or fried rice. The bright, zesty flavor of the sauce adds a refreshing element to any meal, and the string beans provide a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sauce.

7. Chinese String Beans with Eggplant and Bell Peppers

For a vegetable-packed stir-fry that is both nutritious and flavorful, try Chinese string beans with eggplant and bell peppers. This dish brings together a variety of vegetables, each with its own unique texture and flavor, to create a colorful and vibrant stir-fry. The combination of eggplant, bell peppers, and string beans is not only delicious but also offers a range of textures, from the tender, juicy eggplant to the crisp, crunchy string beans.

To make this dish, the string beans are stir-fried along with cubed eggplant and bell peppers. The vegetables are cooked until they are tender and lightly browned, and then a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger is added. The sauce brings the dish together, enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables while adding a rich, savory note. This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish to complement other Chinese meals.

The key to this stir-fry is ensuring that the eggplant is cooked thoroughly, as it can be quite dense if not cooked properly. The string beans and bell peppers add crunch and freshness, while the eggplant absorbs the flavors of the sauce, making it a perfect complement to the dish.

Conclusion

Chinese string bean recipes offer a diverse range of flavors and textures that showcase the versatility of this humble vegetable. From the savory richness of black bean sauce to the spicy kick of Sichuan peppercorns, there are endless ways to prepare string beans in Chinese cuisine. Whether you prefer stir-frying, braising, or simmering in a savory sauce, these dishes highlight the natural crunch and sweetness of string beans while adding bold, aromatic flavors. These seven recipes are just the beginning, and with a bit of creativity, you can continue to explore the many delicious ways to incorporate string beans into your Chinese cooking repertoire. Whether served as a side dish or as the star of the meal, Chinese string beans are sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds with every bite.